Three Rivers Fire Update May 4 2021

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Publication Type: News Tue, 05/04/2021 - 12:00

Three Rivers Fire Update – May 4, 2021

Acres: 7,020 acres

Containment: 23%

Resources: 284

Vegetation: Grass, dead/down timber, and mixed conifer.

Start Date: April 26, 2021: 8:00 am

Cause: Unknown, Under Investigation

Origin Location: ½ mile north of Three Rivers Campground; fire has spread towards both Ski Apache and the South Fork/Bonito area.

Ruidoso, New Mexico, May 4, 2021 – Moderate winds and precipitation both tested the fire and aided firefighters once again yesterday. There was no fire growth and remains at 7,020 acres.

Today, the Southwest Incident Management Team 2 will prepare to transition command of the Three Rivers Fire back to the local Type 3 interagency organization. Throughout the week, firefighters will continue to strengthen control lines, monitor the fire, extinguish hot spots, ground truth, and obtain more accurate mapping. The structure group will continue to patrol the area and be available for initial attack if any new fires arise. As the fire’s behavior has drastically decreased, more crews are expected to demobilize back to their home units or be reassigned to other fires in the region.

Small pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the fire's interior and during the peak burning period, which is mid-day to late afternoon, may produce visible smoke as fuels are consumed. Although most of the surface fuels within the fire’s perimeter that would allow the fire to carry and grow are gone, unburned areas within can continue to smolder for weeks.

Most of the Lincoln National Forest is open to visitors however, the forest along with the Mescalero Apache Tribal lands, and surrounding areas are currently under Fire Restrictions. A closure order has been issued for a portion of the White Mountains Wilderness. The purpose of the Order is to protect public health and safety during the Three Rivers Fire. See the links below for additional information on Fire Restrictions, Closures, and maps.

It is important to recognize that longer, more extreme fire seasons are likely to continue. With most of southern New Mexico already in extreme drought, the 2021 fire season is now upon us. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to start learning about living with wildfire and Ready, Set, Go! principles that will help you take steps to protect your home and your family.

*This is the last Three Rivers Fire news release that will be distributed by the Southwest Type 1 Incident Management Team 2. For additional information the phone/email listed below is s available for the public and media.

ROAD CLOSURES

• Bonito Canyon Road past the Bonito Lake Dam

• Nogal Canyon Road past the Nogal Peak trailhead

• Three Rivers Trailhead and Campground

• Monjeau Lookout at Sierra Vista

CENTER HOURS: 8am-8pm

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 575-386-5077

Fire Information Media Phone Line: 575-386-5108

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7440/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThreeRiversFire2021

Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/smoke-faq.html

Ready, Set, Go! http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SFD/FireMgt/FirePreventionandOutreachProgram.html

Three Rivers Fire Update May 3 2021

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Publication Type: News Mon, 05/03/2021 - 12:00

Three Rivers Fire Update – May 3, 2021

Acres: 7,119 Percent Containment: 23% Date/Time Detected: 8:42 am, April 26, 2021 Resources: 317 Vegetation: Grass, dead/down timber, mixed conifer Cause: Unknown, under investigation

Origin/Location: ½ mile north of Three Rivers

Ruidoso, New Mexico, March 3, 2021 – Strong wind gusts yesterday tested the fire lines constructed by fire crews over the past several days. Fire lines withstood the test, and significant progress continues to be made in containing the Three Rivers Fire.

Before winds picked up yesterday, firefighters continued fire line reinforcement to increase containment percentage. With high winds making it unsafe for crews to be within the fire perimeter, crews focused on patrolling the fire’s edge while monitoring the fire and being readily available to respond to areas of concern.

Unburned pockets of fuel within the fire’s perimeter continue monitored, and firefighters will focus on pushing further inward to locate and cool more hot spots within the fire to further secure established fire lines.

Additionally, today’s cooler weather and possible precipitation will aid firefighters and allow them to continue to secure the fire perimeter. Structure protection crews will be scouting areas and pre-positioned to respond to any potential threats. As fire activity has dramatically decreased, some crews and equipment will begin to be released from the fire to support other fires in the region.

Most of the Lincoln National Forest is still open to visitors; however, the forest, the Mescalero Apache Tribal lands, and surrounding areas are currently under Fire Restrictions. A closure order has been issued for the White Mountains Wilderness. The purpose of the Order is to protect public health and safety during the Three Rivers Fire. See the links below for additional information on Fire Restrictions, Closures, and maps.

The public is reminded to avoid the use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) near wildfires. When drones are illegally flown over a fire, air operations can be suspended, and crews lose a valuable resource, which can adversely affect the safety and efficiency of the overall firefighting effort. For more information on drones, see https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/uas/if-you-fly, and Know Before You Fly!

ROAD CLOSURES

• Bonito Canyon Road past the Bonito Lake Dam

• Nogal Canyon Road past the Nogal Peak trailhead

• Three Rivers Trailhead and Campground

• Monjeau Lookout at Sierra Vista

CENTER HOURS: 800 am to 8 pm

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 575-386-5077

Fire Information Media Phone Line: 575-386-5108

Ready Set Go: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SFD/FireMgt/documents/FINAL-new-mexico-RSG-guide-2017_000.pdf

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7440/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThreeRiversFire2021 Lincoln National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/smoke-faq.html

Lincoln National Forest Issues Forest Closure Order

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Publication Type: News Sun, 05/02/2021 - 12:00

Ruidoso, NM, May 2, 2021 – A closure order has been issued for a portion of the White Mountains Wilderness, located in the Smokey Bear Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest. The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety during the Three Rivers Fire. The Order went into effect on April 30, 2021, at 6:00 AM and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2021, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

Please be advised that ALL National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the White Mountain Wilderness of the Lincoln National Forest, as depicted on the attached map, are part of the RESTRICTED AREA.

Violations of this order are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of up to $5,000 for individual, $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment, or both.

For additional information pertaining to the Closure Order contact the Smokey Bear Ranger District at 575-257-4096 or the Lincoln National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 575-434-7200. For Three Rivers Fire information, please contact the fire information line at 575-386-5077.

Three Rivers Fire Update May 2 2021

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Publication Type: News Sun, 05/02/2021 - 12:00

Three Rivers Fire Update – May 2, 2021

Acres: 7,119 Percent Containment: 19% Date/Time Detected: 8:42 am, April 26, 2021 Resources: 361 Vegetation: Grass, dead/down timber, mixed conifer Cause: Unknown, under investigation

Origin/Location: ½ mile north of Three Rivers

Ruidoso, New Mexico, March 2, 2021 – A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for today. This means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds will combine to increase fire danger risk. Multiple lingering fires inside the perimeter continue to burn. As fuels dry out due to warmer temperatures and increasing winds from the southwest, smoke from these fires may be visible from the west side of the Crest Trail.

Yesterday’s favorable weather allowed for a reconnaissance flight, allowing firefighters to get an aerial view of the fire. The flight showed there are still areas of combustion and smoke. With Red Flag conditions, it is possible that the weather can contribute to fire growth. The potential for an increase in smoke production is predicted for today, and with the southwest winds, the public can see and smell smoke, especially in the northeast area of Ruidoso.

Other areas that are complex and unsafe for firefighters to access will continue to be monitored. Additionally, helicopters are available for water drops to aid in reducing the growth of any hot spots located within the fire area.

While curiosity takes control when wildfires and smoke break out, this can lead to dangerous situations for all involved. With an increase in smoke and wind, visibility can become an issue. Please help us protect the community by avoiding the closed areas.

Ready Set, Go! Residents are encouraged to be “Ready” by taking personal responsibility for themselves, their family, and their property, to be “Set” with situational awareness, and to “Go” and act early. It is extremely important for residents and visitors to remain vigilant and be prepared for evacuations if fire behavior increases.

Although most of the Lincoln National Forest is still open to visitors, the forest, the Mescalero Apache Tribal lands, and surrounding areas are currently under Fire Restrictions. See the link below for additional information on Fire Restrictions.

ROAD CLOSURES

• Bonito Canyon Road past the Bonito Lake Dam

• Nogal Canyon Road past the Nogal Peak trailhead

• Three Rivers Trailhead and Campground

• Monjeau Lookout at Sierra Vista

CENTER HOURS: 800 am to 8 pm

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 575-386-5077

Fire Information Media Phone Line: 575-386-5108

Ready Set Go: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SFD/FireMgt/documents/FINAL-new-mexico-RSG-guide-2017_000.pdf

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7440/

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Lincoln National Forest Three Rivers Closure Order

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Publication Type: Closures Sun, 05/02/2021 - 12:00

Forest Service Shield

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE

LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST

Three Rivers Fire Emergency Closure Public Health and Safety

PROHIBITIONS Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the area described in this Order (the “Restricted Area”) and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, all within the Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, Lincoln County, within the State of New Mexico: 1. Going into or being upon the Restricted Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 1. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. 2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 3. Owners or lessees of land in the area for the sole purpose of access to their private lands and/or residences.

RESTRICTED AREA

All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the White Mountain Wilderness of the Lincoln National Forest, as depicted on the attached map at Exhibit A.

PURPOSE

To protect public health and safety during the Three Rivers Fire activities in the Restricted Area.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be effective on April 30, 2021, at 6:00 a.m., and will remain in effect until December 31, 2021, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
2.

A Map identifying the Restricted Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of the Order map, go to: https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/incident_specific_data/southwest/GACC_Incidents/202 1/2021_ThreeRivers/GIS/Products/ClosureMaps/. 3. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581(b)(7)). 4. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Lincoln National Forest Supervisor’s office located in Alamogordo, NM, telephone number 575-434- 7200. 5. This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order. Done at Ruidoso, New Mexico this 29th day of April, 2021

Digitally signed by TRAVIS TRAVIS MOSELEY MOSELEY Date: 2021.04.29 18:46:26 -06'00'

Link here for Lincoln National Forest Fire Restrictions

Related Incident:

Publication Type: Announcement Sun, 05/02/2021 - 12:00

Lincoln NF Fire Restrictions - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)

Fire Behavior and Weather

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Publication Type: News Sun, 05/02/2021 - 12:00

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR

Ruidoso, New Mexico, May 2, 2021- Dan Pearson, Three Rivers Fire Behavior Analyst, is responsible for collecting weather data, predicting fire growth, and developing strategic and tactical fire behavior information. He looks at the interaction of topography, fuels, and weather to determine what the fire’s effects will be. All this critical information is used by incident managers to formulate a strategic plan of attack on the fire. When the fire started, it was driven by powerful winds, low relative humidity, and high temperatures. A reconnaissance flight indicated the fire had stayed along the mountain crest and upper third of the slopes. The prevailing winds made a push sending embers to the trees downwind and into the surrounding areas. The following day, April 27, a weather system came through, which raised the relative humidity, increased cloud cover, and provided precipitation which stopped the fire from burning in the grasses. With the precipitation that we have seen over the last couple of days, little smoke is currently being seen. However, this reconnaissance flight was taken at 11:00 am yesterday, while most active fire occurs from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. An additional reconnaissance flight will be taken to identify any areas that may not have been visible on the initial flight. Not everything within the fire perimeter has burned. Grasses and some areas of timber remain unaffected with a mosaic of green vegetation. Now that the weather has cleared, much of the fire perimeter is easily accessible allowing firefighters to continue to fight the fire. Other areas that are challenging and unsafe for firefighters to access will continue to be monitored and plans are being developed to address areas of concern. It is important to note that there are still areas of combustion and potential of smoke. It is possible with Red Flag conditions today that the weather could potentially stir up smoldering fires. There might be some movement of the fire as it continues to consume unburned vegetation within the perimeter. Additional smoke is predicted, and with the southwest winds, the public may see and smell smoke, especially in the northeast area of Ruidoso. Firefighters are prepared for this increase of fire activity.

May 1 2021 Morning Update

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Publication Type: News Sat, 05/01/2021 - 12:00

Three Rivers Fire Update – May 1, 2021

Acres: 6,951

Percent Containment: 13%

Date/Time Detected: 8:42 am, April 26, 2021

Resources: 361

Vegetation: Grass, dead/down timber, mixed conifer

Cause: Unknown, under investigation

Origin/Location: ½ mile north of Three Rivers

Ruidoso, New Mexico, May1, 2021 – Firefighters continue to make progress in their work to contain the Three Rivers Fire that has been active over the past week. Containment, normally stated as a percentage, shows how much of the fire has been enclosed by a control or fire line. To achieve containment, crews remove vegetation next to the fire's edge, creating a fire line. With no additional fuel to consume, the fire remains within the established fire line perimeter. Today we will start seeing a warming and drying trend over the fire area.

The scattering of the multiple smaller fires inside the perimeter continue to burn. As fuels dry out due to warmer temperatures and increasing winds from the southwest, smoke from the fire may be visible from the west side of the Crest Trail.

Safety of the public and firefighters is always the top priority in wildland fire operations. As fire activity is anticipated to pick up, please be aware of increased fire traffic in town and avoid closed road areas.

Resolve to be Ready! It is important to recognize that longer, more extreme fire seasons are likely to continue. With most of southern New Mexico already in extreme drought, the 2021 fire season is now upon us. If you haven't already, now is an excellent time to start learning about living with wildfire and Ready, Set, Go! principles that will help you take steps to protect your home and your family.

Know Before You Go. Although most of the Lincoln National Forest is still open to visitors, the forest, the Mescalero Apache Tribal lands, and surrounding areas are currently under Fire Restrictions. These restrictions help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during high or extreme fire danger periods. It is crucial for residents and visitors to remain vigilant and be prepared for evacuations if fire behavior increases. See the links below for additional information on Fire Restrictions, Ready, Set, Go!, and additional information about the Three Rivers Fire.

ROAD CLOSURES

• Bonito Canyon Road past the Bonito Lake Dam

• Nogal Canyon Road past the Nogal Peak trailhead

• Three Rivers Trailhead and Campground

• Monjeau Lookout at Sierra Vista

CENTER HOURS: 800 am to 8pm

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 575-386-5077

Fire Information Media Phone Line: 575-386-5108

Ready Set Go: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SFD/FireMgt/documents/FINAL-new-mexico-RSG-guide-2017_000.pdf

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7440/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThreeRiversFire2021

Lincoln National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln

Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/smoke-faq.html

April 30 2021 Morning Update

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Publication Type: News Fri, 04/30/2021 - 12:00

Three Rivers Fire Update – April 30, 2021

Acres: 5,557

Percent Containment: 13%

Date/Time Detected: 8:42 am, April 26, 2021

Resources: 266

Vegetation: Grass, dead/down timber, mixed conifer

Cause: Unknown, under investigation

Origin/Location: ½ mile north of Three Rivers Campground; fire has spread towards both Ski Apache and the South Fork/Bonito area

Ruidoso, New Mexico, April 30, 2021 – The much-welcomed rain and snow continued to fall Thursday morning and throughout the day, allowing firefighters to formulate a strategic plan of attack on the Three Rivers Fire. A reconnaissance flight, which entails aircraft equipped with infrared (IR) sensing technology can map wildfires, providing firefighters with an accurate assessment of the fire perimeter. With the IR flight data collected more precise acreage information was determined to be 5,557 acres.

Areas surrounding the fire perimeter contain very steep terrain and drainages with dense forests and dead and down timber. The combination of landscape and timber increases the potential for falling trees, especially with the high winds predicted for the weekend. Crews are working as safely as possible to complete the containment line, search for hot spots, provide structure protection, and scouting for potential impacts to critical natural resources.

Although the precipitation assisted in slowing the fire’s growth, warmer temperatures and winds are expected starting Saturday and over the next several days, potentially rekindling interior portions of the fire. Residents should remain vigilant and prepared for evacuations if fire behavior increases. The Village of Ruidoso and surrounding areas are open to residents and visitors. The Lincoln National Forest and the Mescalero Apache Tribal lands and surrounding areas are currently under Fire Restrictions. These restrictions help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during high or extreme fire danger periods. There are restrictions on the use of fires, smoking, and use of gas or motorized equipment. Please visit the Lincoln National Forest for additional information on the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at the links provided.

ROAD CLOSURES

• Bonito Canyon Road past the Bonito Lake Dam

• Nogal Canyon Road past the Nogal Peak trailhead

• Three Rivers Trailhead and Campground

• Monjeau Lookout at Sierra Vista

CENTER HOURS

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 575-386-5077

Fire Information Media Phone Line: 575-386-5108

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7440/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThreeRiversFire2021

Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/smoke-faq.html

April 29 2021 Morning Update

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Publication Type: News Thu, 04/29/2021 - 12:00

Three Rivers Fire – April 29, 2021 Morning Update

Acres: 12,000 acres

Percent Containment: 5%

Date/Time Detected: 8:42 am, April 26, 2021

Resources Assigned: 168

Structures burned: 0

Cause: Unknown, under investigation

Origin/Location: ½ mile north of Three Rivers Campground; fire has spread towards both Ski Apache and the South Fork/Bonito area.

Crews Continue to Work After Rain Douses Fire Overnight

The fire saw no growth yesterday or today and remains at 12,000 acres. The 12,000 acres includes hot spots that are separate from the main burned area.

Widespread scattered precipitation yesterday and last night has kept fire spread minimal. Increased moisture and humidity have slowed spread through grasses; dead and downed fuel is currently smoldering. Fire activity is expected to increase later in the day and wind direction is expected to shift, blowing the fire back onto already burned areas.

The fire will become more active again as warmer weather returns Saturday. Today crews will continue to scout and construct line along the southern perimeter and assess and plan for structural protection at Ski Apache, Lookout Mountain, other infrastructure and residences northeast of the fire perimeter, should it be required in the future.

RESIDENTS SHOULD REMAIN VIGILANT AND PREPARED FOR EVACUATIONS IN THESE AND ADDITIONAL AREAS IF FIRE BEHAVIOR INCREASES.

ROAD CLOSURES

• Bonito Canyon Road past the Bonito Lake Dam

• Nogal Canyon Road past the Nogal Peak trailhead

• Three Rivers Trailhead and Campground

• Monjeau Lookout at Sierra Vista

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 575-386-5077

Fire Information Media Phone Line: 575-386-5108

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7440/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThreeRiversFire2021

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